The Moskyaudio TAI JI DRIVE is a compact overdrive pedal for guitar and bass, described by the maker as an "Amp-In-A-Box Overdrive Pedal" with a smooth, round, balanced, low-to-medium gain character. It covers everything from slight overdrive to mild distortion, with what Moskyaudio calls great dynamic response, and it is built with true bypass switching1. Players looking for other options in the same family can compare it with the Moskyaudio XT ULTRA and the Moskyaudio Honey Box, or browse the wider field on the Overdrive Pedals and Bass Pedals pages.
Circuit and sound
Moskyaudio states plainly that the pedal is "Based on LOVEPEDAL Hermida Audio Zendrive," the low-to-medium gain overdrive design associated with Hermida Audio1. The maker describes the sound as smooth, round and balanced, running from slight overdrive into mild distortion, with dynamic response that tracks picking strength. On the component side, the pedal uses what Moskyaudio calls premium parts: 2N7000 MOSFETs, a NE5532 op-amp, carbon resistors and Schottky BAT41 diodes1.
Controls
Four knobs control the pedal, and Moskyaudio points to the voice and tone pairing as what sets it apart from a typical overdrive1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Controls the overall volume of the pedal |
| Gain | Sets the amount of overdrive, from slight overdrive to mild distortion |
| Tone | Shapes the treble character of the drive |
| Voice | Works with the tone control to shape the pedal's voicing |
Moskyaudio says the voice/tone control combination "gives artists extra versatility compared to the typical overdrive pedal"1.
Versions and power
The Tai Ji Drive is sold in four models, all with true bypass1. Power comes from a 9Vdc center negative supply with a 2.1mm x 5.5mm barrel connector, the standard size for pedal power supplies1.
The maker lists a 9Vdc center negative requirement and does not list battery power, so plan on a 9V pedal supply with a 2.1mm plug when adding it to a board.
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Questions
Is the Moskyaudio Tai Ji Drive based on the Zendrive?
Yes. Moskyaudio states on its product page that the Tai Ji Drive is based on the Lovepedal Hermida Audio Zendrive circuit. The pedal is described as a smooth, round, balanced low-to-medium gain overdrive with great dynamic response, covering everything from slight overdrive to mild distortion, which is the territory the Zendrive design is known for.
Is the Tai Ji Drive true bypass?
Yes. Moskyaudio lists the Tai Ji Drive as a true bypass pedal, so when it is switched off your guitar's signal passes through without the pedal's circuitry loading it. It is sold as a guitar and bass effect pedal with four models in the range.
What power does the Tai Ji Drive take?
The Tai Ji Drive uses a 9Vdc center negative power connector measuring 2.1mm x 5.5mm, which is the standard pedal supply size. Use a regulated 9V pedal power supply with that plug; the maker does not list battery power or a current draw figure for the pedal.
Can the Tai Ji Drive be used with bass?
Yes. Moskyaudio markets the pedal as a guitar and bass effect pedal, so it is intended to work with bass as well as guitar. Its low-to-medium gain character, from slight overdrive to mild distortion, suits players who want to add a touch of grit rather than heavy distortion.
Sources (1)
- TAI JI DRIVE_M-SERIES_Products_mosky pedal, moskyaudio
